The Marshall Plan and the establishment of the OEEC
Address given by George Marshall (5 June 1947)
Rede von George Marshall (Harvard, 5. Juni 1947)
TextAm 5. Juni hält der amerikanische Außenminister George Marshall an der Universität Harvard (Massachusetts) eine Rede, in der er allen europäischen Staaten, die unter dem Krieg gelitten haben, umfangreiche Wirtschaftshilfen anbietet.
Ansprache von George C. Marshall (Harvard, 5. Juni 1947)
BildAm 5. Juni 1947 empfängt die Universität Harvard (Massachusetts) den amerikanischen Außenminister George C. Marshall, der dort in einer Rede den europäischen Staaten finanzielle und wirtschaftliche Unterstützung unter der Voraussetzung einer engeren europäischen Zusammenarbeit anbietet.
Announcement of the Marshall Plan (Harvard, 5 June 1947)
BildOn 5 June 1947, the US Secretary of State, George C. Marshall, gives an address at Harvard University, Massachusetts, in which he offers the countries of Europe economic and financial assistance in exchange for closer European cooperation. George C. Marshall is in the centre, holding a hat and talking to Second World War hero, General Omar Nelson Bradley.
"Amerika zu den europäischen Problemen" in Luxemburger Wort (6. Juni 1947)
TextAm 6. Juni 1947 analysiert die luxemburgische Tageszeitung Luxemburger Wort die am Vortag vom amerikanischen Staatssekretär, George Marshall, in Harvard gehaltene Rede und setzt die Europa zugesagte amerikanische Hilfe in Parallele mit der Absicht der Sowjetunion, eine Balkan-Föderation zu etablieren.
‘European economic conference’ from De Volkskrant (6 June 1947)
TextOn 6 June 1947, the day after the US Secretary of State, George Marshall, gives his address at Harvard, the Dutch daily newspaper De Volkskrant speculates on the implementation of the United States’ programme of aid for Europe.
‘Nations of Europe, unite!' from Le Figaro (18 June 1947)
TextOn 18 June 1947, in the French daily newspaper Le Figaro, French diplomat André François-Poncet outlines the difficulties faced by Europe in responding to the proposal put forward by the American Secretary of State, George Marshall.
Memorandum by Joseph M. Jones (2 July 1947)
TextOn 2 July 1947, Joseph M. Jones, Special Assistant to the US Secretary of State, George C. Marshall, describes the role that he played in preparing the address given by Mr Marshall on 5 June 1947 at Harvard University.
Letter from George Marshall to Robert Schuman (14 January 1949)
TextOn 14 January 1949, George Marshall, US Secretary of State, writes a letter to Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister, in which he recognises the role of France in the reconstruction of post-war Europe.
Conference on European Economic Cooperation (12 July to 22 September 1947)
Franco-British conference on the Marshall Plan (Paris, 12 July 1947)
BildFollowing the offer of American aid for European reconstruction made by the US Secretary of State, George C. Marshall, on 5 June 1947, France, represented by Georges Bidault (left), and the United Kingdom, represented by Ernest Bevin (right), organise a conference in Paris for all European States with an interest in this offer.
Conference on European Economic Cooperation (Paris, 12 July 1947)
BildOn 12 July 1947, the Conference on European Economic Cooperation began in Paris. It brought together all those countries accepting the reconstruction aid proposed to Europe by the US Secretary of State, George Marshall.
Inaugural address given by Georges Bidault (Paris, 12 July 1947)
TextOn 12 July 1947, in Paris, Georges Bidault, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, opens the Conference on European Economic Cooperation, attended by representatives from the 16 countries of Western Europe that have accepted the economic assistance proposed one month previously by George C. Marshall, US Secretary of State.
'Saving Europe' from Il nuovo Corriere della Sera (12 July 1947)
TextOn 12 July 1947, representatives of the countries accepting reconstruction aid, offered to Europe under the Marshall Plan, met at the conference on European economic cooperation, held in Paris. The Italian newspaper Il nuovo Corriere della Sera describes the political and economic issues involved.
Draft plan for the establishment of a Cooperation Committee (Paris, 13 July 1947)
TextOn 13 July 1947, the Paris Conference of the Sixteen on European Economic Cooperation envisages the establishment of a Committee for European Economic Cooperation (CEEC) entrusted with drawing up a report on the economic requirements of Western Europe.
Report by Hervé Alphand (Paris, 13 July 1947)
TextOn 13 July 1947, during the Paris Conference on European Economic Cooperation, the French diplomat Hervé Alphand submits the initial report of the Committee for European Economic Cooperation (CEEC) and expresses his satisfaction with the spirit of solidarity which motivates the representatives of the 16 participating states.
Statement by Johan Kruse (Paris, 14 July 1947)
TextOn 14 July 1947, the second day of the Paris Conference on European Economic Cooperation, the Danish Ambassador, Johan Kruse, expresses his satisfaction with the efforts being made to revive the European economies and outlines his country’s most pressing requirements.
Statement by Mr Raphael (Paris, 14 July 1947)
TextSpeaking on 14 July 1947, the second day of the Paris Conference on European Economic Cooperation, the Greek Ambassador, Mr Raphael, calls upon European countries to work together for the recovery of the devastated economies of the Continent.
Statement by Sean Lemass (Paris, 14 July 1947)
TextOn 14 July 1947, the second day of the Paris Conference on European Economic Cooperation, Sean Lemass, Head of the Irish delegation, reviews the establishment of a coordinated economic recovery plan for Europe and emphasises Ireland's commitment to the recovery programme.
French proposal concerning the establishment of a questionnaire (Paris, 15 July 1947)
TextOn 15 July 1947, during a working session of the Committee for European Economic Cooperation (CEEC), the French delegation submits to its partners a draft questionnaire which will enable an assessment to be made of the requirements and scope for economic recovery of the various countries in Western Europe.
Comments by the Netherlands delegate on the French proposal with regard to the Questionnaire (Paris, 18 July 1947)
TextOn 18 July 1947, the Netherlands delegation to the Committee for European Economic Cooperation (CEEC) comments on the French draft Questionnaire and recalls the causes of the economic crisis affecting European countries.
"Europa aus dem Chaos befreien" in Le Carrefour (23. Juli 1947)
TextAm 23. Juli 1947 analysiert der britische Premierminister Anthony Eden in der französischen Zeitung Le Carrefour die Ergebnisse der Konferenz über europäische wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit, die am 12. Juli 1947 in Paris stattfand.
Memorandum submitted by the Netherlands Delegation (Paris, 29 July 1947)
TextOn 29 July 1947, the Netherlands Delegation submits a memorandum on the economic revival of Europe to the Committee for European Economic Cooperation (CEEC).
Statement by the British delegation (Paris, 15 August 1947)
TextOn 15 August 1947, in Paris, during a working session of the Committee for European Economic Cooperation (CEEC), the British delegation calls for the liberalisation of trade and the creation of a European customs union.
Mémorandum de la délégation du Royaume-Uni (Paris, 23 août 1947)
TextLe 23 août 1947, la délégation britannique auprès du Comité de coopération économique européenne (CCEE) analyse les mesures économiques à envisager pour reconstruire l'Europe et évoque l'idée de création d'une union douanière européenne.
Conference on European Economic Cooperation (12 July to 22 September 1947)
Draft document on problems relating to Germany (26 August 1947)
TextOn 26 August 1947, the Committee for European Economic Cooperation (CEEC), draws up in Paris a document devoted to the economic reconstruction of Germany and to the country’s place in a democratic Europe.
Statement by the French delegate (Paris, 27 August 1947)
TextOn 27 August 1947, the French delegation to the Committee for European Economic Cooperation (CEEC) comments on the preliminary draft of the British memorandum concerning European customs unions.
Statement by Hervé Alphand (20 September 1947)
TextOn 20 September 1947, in Paris, Hervé Alphand, Director-General of Economic, Financial and Technical Affairs at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlines the main thrust of the report on the recovery of the European economies drawn up by the Committee for European Economic Cooperation (CEEC) for the American authorities.
Address given by Pierre-Henri Teitgen (Paris, 22 September 1947)
TextOn 22 September 1947, the final day of the Paris Conference on European Economic Cooperation, Pierre-Henri Teitgen, Vice-President of the French Council, outlines the steps taken by France to revive its economy and play its part in the recovery of Europe.
Address given by Ernest Bevin (Paris, 22 September 1947)
TextOn 22 September 1947, the final day of the Paris Conference on European Economic Cooperation, the British Foreign Minister, Ernest Bevin, expresses his satisfaction with the substance of the final report submitted by the French diplomat Hervé Alphand and hopes that he will see a devastated Europe rise from the ashes.
Cartoon by Lang on the reconstruction of Post-War Europe (13 December 1947)
Bild‘On 9 December 1947, the crisis first breaks out at the negotiating table of the Four Powers. Europe: Let’s hope that no one lets go!’ On 13 December 1947, the cartoonist Ernst Maria Lang comments on Europe’s fears about the conflict between the Western Allies and Moscow regarding application of the Marshall Plan.
The Marshall Plan
Der Marshallplan und die Gründung der OEEC (1947-1948)
KarteDiese Karte zeigt die europäischen Staaten, denen im Rahmen des Marshallplanes amerikanische Wiederaufbauhilfe angeboten wird, die sie akzeptieren oder ablehnen, und die Staaten, die am 16. April 1948 in Paris die Gründung der Organisation für europäische wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit (OEEC) beschließen.
‘Does the Marshall Plan fall under the heading of “American activities”?’ from La Tribune des Nations (7 November 1947)
TextOn 7 November 1947, the French weekly publication La Tribune des Nations reports on the statement by Virgil Jordan, President of the National Industrial Conference Board in the United States, in which he emphasises the dangers of the Marshall Plan for the economic and industrial fabric of America.
The Friendship Train (21 November 1947)
BildOn 21 November 1947, the American ‘Friendship Train’, loaded with food donations from US citizens destined for a war-torn Europe, leaves New York on a freighter down the Hudson River.
"Der Erfolg des Marshallplans" in Le Populaire (24. November 1947)
TextAm 24. November 1947 verteidigt der Generalsekretär des Congress for Industrial Organisation (CIO) in der sozialistischen französischen Tageszeitung Le Populaire den Marshall-Plan gegen die Kritik einiger europäischer Gewerkschaften.
Correspondence between Ray Moseley and Harry S. Truman (1947)
TextOn 26 November 1947, estate agent Ray Moseley shares his concerns with US President Harry Truman about the financial aid provided by the United States to European countries at the expense of American households. In his reply, dated 1 December 1947, Harry Truman points out that most European countries have been devastated by the war and urgently require US economic aid.
Message from US President Harry S. Truman to Congress (19 December 1947)
TextOn 19 December 1947, US President Harry S. Truman delivers an address to Congress on the issues involved in the economic reconstruction of Europe; he also outlines the aid provided by the United States for the purpose of getting the European economy back on its feet.
Karikatur von Illingworth zur Verabschiedung des Marshall-Plans im amerikanischen Kongress (7. Januar 1948)
Bild„Wenn wir erst einmal am Portier vorbei sind.“ Im Zusammenhang mit der Debatte im amerikanischen Kongress über die Zustimmung zum Marshall-Plan zeigt der britische Karikaturist Leslie Gilbert Illingworth am 7. Januar 1948, wie ungeduldig die europäischen Länder auf die amerikanische Finanz- und Wirtschaftshilfe warten.
Cartoon by Illingworth on the Marshall Plan and the difficulties of unifying Western Europe (8 March 1948)
BildOn 8 March 1948, faced with the threat of the Soviet bloc, British cartoonist Leslie Gilbert Illingworth illustrates the efforts made by Georges Marshall, US Secretary of State, to gather around him the countries of Western Europe, thereby forming a united front against the dangers of Communism.
Cartoon by Lang on the Cold War and the Marshall Plan (13 March 1948)
Bild‘The wolf and the little goats. A fairytale yesterday — and today?’ In March 1948, referring to the Marshall Plan, German cartoonist Lang illustrates the solidarity binding the countries of Western Europe, which are uniting to protect convalescent Germany from the Soviet threat.
American Law on the Economic Cooperation Act (3 April 1948)
TextOn 3 April 1948, US President Harry Truman, signs the law creating the Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA) whose role is to manage the programme of material and financial aid granted to European countries by the United States.
Der Marshall-Plan (Pathé, 7. April 1948)
VideoAm 5. Juni 1947 bietet der amerikanische Staatssekretär George C. Marshall allen Staaten Europas wirtschaftliche und finanzielle Hilfe an. Sechzehn von ihnen werden das European Recovery Program (ERP), auch Marshall-Plan genannt, akzeptieren.
Appointment of Paul Hoffman (Washington, 9 April 1948)
BildOn 9 April 1948, the US President, Harry Truman (right), appoints Paul Hoffman (left) as Administrator of the Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA) tasked with allocating the funds provided by the Marshall Plan.
‘Provisional figures for aid allocated to the various European countries’ from La Dernière Heure (21 April 1948)
TextOn 21 April 1948, the Belgian liberal daily newspaper La Dernière Heure publishes the provisional figures for the financial aid allocated by the United States to the European countries under the Marshall Plan for aid to Europe.
Cartoon by Illingworth on the implementation of the Marshall Plan for Europe (14 July 1948)
BildIn July 1948, British cartoonist Leslie Gilbert Illingworth illustrates the economic aid provided by the United States under the Marshall Plan and emphasises the importance of European reconstruction.
Cartoon by Shepard on Paul Hoffman’s role in the European post-war reconstruction effort (4 August 1948)
BildIn August 1948, British cartoonist Ernest Howard Shepard emphasises the role played by Paul Hoffman, Administrator of the Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA), which was responsible for distributing the funds provided under the Marshall Plan for the economic reconstruction of Western Europe.
Marshall Plan negotiations (Washington, 29 November 1948)
BildOn 29 November 1948, the US President, Harry S. Truman (left) meets with George C. Marshall, Paul Hoffmann and Averell Harriman in the Oval Office of the White House to discuss the implementation of the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of Europe.
‘Europe is gravely ill' from Le Phare Dimanche (11 September 1949)
TextOn 11 September 1949, referring to the prevailing Cold War climate, the Brussels periodical Le Phare Dimanche explains Europe’s dependence for its economic and military future on US foreign policy.
The Marshall Plan
Harry B. Price interviews George C. Marshall (30 October 1952)
TextOn 30 October 1952, George C. Marshall grants an interview to Harry B. Price in which the former US Secretary of State outlines the origins of the Marshall Plan and describes the important role played by George Kennan and Arthur Vandenberg in drawing up the European Recovery Program (ERP).
Plakate zum Marshall-Plan
TextDiese Reihe von Plakaten aus verschiedenen europäischen Ländern heben den Segen der amerikanischen Wirtschaftshilfe im Rahmen des Marshall-Plans hervor.
Harry S. Truman, Mémoires
TextDans ses Mémoires, Harry S. Truman, ancien président des États-Unis, évoque les raisons de la mise en place d'une aide économique américaine en faveur de l'Europe au lendemain de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.
Interview mit Leo Tindemans: die Wirtschaftshilfe für die Marshall-Plan-Staaten (Brüssel, 24. Februar 2006)
VideoIn diesem Interview spricht Leo Tindemans, ehemaliger Attaché der Wirtschaftsabteilung des belgischen Landwirtschaftsministeriums, über die Wirtschaftshilfe, die den europäischen Ländern nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg von den Vereinigten Staaten im Rahmen des Marshall Plans zuteil wurden.
Interview mit Hans-August Lücker: die Reform der Landwirtschaft (Bonn, 15. Mai 2006)
VideoIn diesem Interview spricht Hans-August Lücker, ehemaliger Direktor der bayerischen Landwirtschaftskammer und Verfasser eines Memorandums über die Verwendung der Marshall-Plan-Hilfen in der Landwirtschaft, über die Notwendigkeit nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg, die Landwirtschaft zu einem leistungsstarken und rentablen Wirtschaftszweig innerhalb einer sozialen Marktwirtschaft zu machen.
Reactions in Germany
Karikatur von Lang zum wirtschaftlichen Wiederaufbau Westdeutschlands (9. November 1948)
Bild „Genesungsheim Europa – Der wird zu schnell gesund ...“ Im Zusammenhang mit der Hilfe der Vereinigten Staaten (Doktor Onkel Sam) für den wirtschaftlichen Wiederaufbau in Europa (Marshall-Plan) illustriert der deutsche Karikaturist Ernst Maria Lang am 9. November 1948 die Befürchtungen Frankreichs (Marianne) und des Vereinigten Königreichs (John Bull) angesichts der zu schnellen wirtschaftlichen Genesung Deutschlands (Michel). Rechts stehen die Niederlande (eine kleine Meisje) und beobachten die Szene.
"Zur europäischen Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft" in Süddeutsche Zeitung (9 April 1949)
TextAm 9. April 1949 veröffentlicht die Süddeutsche Zeitung einen Artikel des Amerikaners Paul Hoffmann, ECA-Administrator (Economic Cooperation Administration), der ein Jahr nach seinem Amtsantritt eine erste Bilanz über die wirtschaftliche Hilfe zieht, die Westeuropa im Rahmen des Marshallplans von den Vereinigten Staaten gewährt wird.
"Pariser Spiegelprobe" dans Der Spiegel (10. November 1949)
TextDas Nachrichtenmagazin Der Spiegel analysiert den Marshallplan vor dem Hintergrund der Rivalität zwischen den Vereinigten Staaten und der Sowjetunion.
Cartoon by Szewczuk on the United States’ role in European recovery (1949)
Bild‘Europa and the 1949 bull.' In 1949, taking inspiration from the myth of the abduction of the nymph Europa by Zeus in the form of a bull, cartoonist Mirko Szewczuk illustrates in his own inimitable fashion the importance of the economic aid supplied by the United States to Europe under the Marshall Plan.
The Marshall Plan in West Berlin (1948–1955)
BildIn 1948, the city of West Berlin, severely damaged by the Allied bombings at the end of the Second World War, receives financial aid granted to the Federal Republic of Germany under the Marshall Plan.
Sign in front of a construction site in Germany (1950)
BildFrom 1950, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) uses the funds granted to it by the United States under the Marshall Plan for economic and financial aid to Europe in order to finance, in particular, the construction of 1 309 houses for German refugees from the Soviet occupation zone.
The reconstruction of Germany with aid from the Marshall Plan
BildThe Land of Schleswig-Holstein, whose capital Kiel was 81 % destroyed during the Second World War, benefits from the financial aid of the Marshall Plan. The photo shows US aid being used to fund the building of housing for refugees.
Franz Blücher, Dienst an Deutschland und Europa
TextVon 1949 bis 1953 war Franz Blücher Bundesminister für den Marshallplan. In Dienst an Deutschland und Europa zieht er Bilanz.
Stuttgart city centre in 1947 and 1955
BildIn 1947, two years after the end of hostilities in Europe, the city centre of Stuttgart is still in ruins. By 1955, however, the town’s reconstruction has been completed, thanks, in large part, to the economic and financial aid given by the United States to Europe under the Marshall Plan.
Economic miracle in West Germany (February 1958)
BildAdvanced automation in the Alfons Müller textiles factories in Wipperfürth and the commercial success of his products illustrate the post-war economic miracle in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Reactions in Austria
Österreichisches Plakat zum Marshallplan
BildEnde der vierziger Jahre in Österreich erschienenes Plakat zugunsten des amerikanischen Hilfsplanes für Europa, des Marshallplanes.
Plakat zum Marshallplan und Österreich (1949)
TextIm Jahre 1949 erschienenes Plakat zur Information der Öffentlichkeit über den Nutzen, den Österreich aus der Wirtschaftshilfe der Vereinigten Staaten im Rahmen des Marshall-Planes ziehen kann.
Reihe von Plakaten zum Marshallplan in Österreich (1950-1952)
TextZwischen 1950 und 1952 werden verschiedene Plakate herausgegeben, um darüber zu informieren, wie die amerikanische Wirtschaftshilfe des Marshallplanes in Österreich verwendet wird.
Arbeiteraufstände gegen den Marshall-Plan (Wien, Juni 1948)
VideoIm Juni 1948 berichtet die sowjetische Kino-Wochenschau über eine Demonstration von kommunistischen Arbeitern in Wien gegen die Teilnahme Österreichs am Marshall-Plan, mit dem die Amerikaner Europas Wiederaufbau unterstützen.
Studentendemonstrationen gegen den Marshall-Plan (Wien, Juli 1949)
VideoIm Juli 1949 berichtet die sowjetische Kino-Wochenschau über eine Demonstration von kommunistischen Studenten in Wien gegen die Teilnahme Österreich am Marshall-Plan, mit dem die Amerikaner Europas Wiederaufbau unterstützen.
Cartoon by the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) on the effects of the Marshall Plan (1952)
BildIn 1952, the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) publishes a poster illustrating the US aid granted to Austria under the Marshall Plan and speculates over the future of the country’s petroleum resources.
Reactions in Benelux
Memorandum from the Executive Board of the International Chamber of Commerce (The Hague, 25 February 1948)
TextOn 25 February 1948, in The Hague, the Executive Board of the International Chamber of Commerce publishes a memorandum in which it describes the economic reconstruction efforts being carried out in postwar Europe.
Rede von Paul-Henri Spaak: der Marshall-Plan (Luxemburg, 13. März 1948)
TonAm 13. März 1948 hält der belgische Premierminister und Außenminister Paul-Henri Spaak in Luxemburg einen Vortrag, in dem er die Tragweite des Marshallplans und seine wirtschaftlichen und politischen Konsequenzen für Westeuropa erläutert.
‘Marshall Plan: Beware of the unpredictable!' from Le Phare Dimanche (4 April 1948)
TextOn 4 April 1948, the Brussels newspaper Le Phare Dimanche warns its readers against the possible negative consequences of the Marshall Plan.
Reactions in Benelux
Cartoon on the Netherlands and the Marshall Plan (10 April 1948)
Bild‘Economic morass: Spinach!' On 10 April 1948, the Netherlands cartoonist, Jordaan, parodies the adventures of Popeye and emphasises the benefits of the US economic aid granted to the Netherlands under the Marshall Plan (on the left: Louis Bel, Netherlands Prime Minister).
‘The Marshall Plan and its mysteries’ from La Dernière Heure (6 May 1948)
TextOn 6 May 1948, in connection with the establishment of the Marshall Plan, the Belgian daily newspaper La Dernière Heure considers the possible application of the US aid granted to Belgium.
Economic Cooperation Agreement between the Netherlands and the USA (The Hague, 2 July 1948)
TextOn 2 July 1948, in The Hague, the governments of the Netherlands and the United States sign an agreement concerning economic cooperation between the two countries in the framework of the Marshall Plan.
‘The European recovery plan and Dutch companies’ from Economische Voorlichting (14 January 1949)
TextOn 14 January 1949, as an information meeting on the Marshall Plan is held in the Netherlands, the Dutch journal Economische Voorlichting publishes an article on the economic and social consequences of the economic aid granted by the United States.
‘Revival in the Netherlands in 1949’ from Het Vrije Volk (31 March 1950)
TextOn 31 March 1950, the Dutch daily newspaper Het Vrije Volk analyses the effects of the Marshall Plan on the economy of the Netherlands.
The Marshall Plan in the Netherlands (May 1951)
BildIn May 1951, the Dutch thank the United States for the help provided under the Marshall Plan during a procession of decorated floats in the streets of Sassenheim.
Dirk Stikker, Men of Responsibility
TextDirk Stikker, Netherlands Foreign Minister from 1948 to 1952, describes the economic situation in the Netherlands after the Second World War and recalls the US aid granted to the countries of Europe under the Marshall Plan.
Brochure illustrated by Jo Spier on the Netherlands and the Marshall Plan (1949)
TextIn 1949, the Dutch Government publishes a booklet of cartoons in which the illustrator Jo Spier welcomes the benefits of the Marshall Plan for economic and financial reconstruction accorded by the United States to the European countries devastated by the war.
US aid received by the Netherlands (1948-1953)
TabelleTable showing aid received by the Netherlands under the Marshall Plan between 1948 and 1953.
Ansprache von Joseph Bech (5. Juni 1957)
TonAm 5. Juni 1957 hält der luxemburgische Staatsminister Joseph Bech anlässlich des zehnten Jahrestages des Marshall-Plans eine Rede, in der er die wichtige Rolle der amerikanischen Wirtschaftshilfe für den Wiederaufbau Europas nach dem zweiten Weltkrieg unterstreicht.
Interview with Edmund Wellenstein: reactions to the Marshall Plan in the Netherlands and the Dutch proposal for the establishment of a common market (The Hague, 27 August 2009)
VideoIn this interview, Edmund Wellenstein, official in the Private Office of the Queen of the Netherlands from 1947 to 1950 then Head of the ‘Germany’ Division and Director-General for European Affairs in the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs between 1950 and 1952, describes how the Marshall Plan was received at the end of the 1940s in Dutch diplomatic circles, before going on to explain the scope of the proposal by Foreign Minister Johann Willem Beyen, who hoped to establish a common market between the Six in 1952 in the wake of the proposed European Political Community.
Reactions in France
Léon Blum returns from the United States (May 1946)
BildIn late May 1946, a huge crowd at Orly Airport welcomes home Léon Blum, negotiator extraordinary of the French Republic in the United States, on his return from Washington where, on 28 May, after 11 weeks of negotiations, the Blum–Byrnes Agreement is signed which, in addition to the Lend-Lease arrangements, provides for the purchase by France of surplus American goods and for a loan for the reconstruction and modernisation of France.
Léon Blum, The works of Léon Blum
TextThe French Socialist, Léon Blum, was the former President of the French Council and briefly French Foreign Minister. Here, he places the Marshall Plan in a broad European context, and suggests that the United Nations Economic Committee for Europe, established in March 1947, should be responsible for its practical organisation.
‘Towards a new economic and financial policy' from Le Monde (2 July 1947)
TextOn 2 July 1947, in an article published in the French daily newspaper Le Monde, René Courtin, founder of the French Council for a United Europe, emphasises that, despite financial aid from the United States, most of the efforts to achieve economic recovery must be made by the French people.
Secret memorandum from Jean Monnet to Georges Bidault (24 July 1947)
TextOn 24 July 1947, Jean Monnet, Commissioner-General of the French National Planning Board, writes a secret detailed note to Georges Bidault, the French Foreign Minister, concerning the implications of the Marshall Plan for French policy on Germany and on Europe.
Karikatur von Garnier zur Frage der möglichen Empfänger der Marshallplanhilfen (26. Juli 1947)
Bild „Wir haben Vorrang!“ Im Zusammenhang mit der Umsetzung des Marshall-Plans illustriert der französische Karikaturist Garnier am 26. Juli 1947 die Befürchtungen Frankreichs und der anderen europäischen Länder angesichts eines zu schnellen wirtschaftlichen Aufstiegs des Nachkriegsdeutschlands. Frankreich, dargestellt als junge Marianne mit Jakobinermütze, steht Schlange, um in den mit Sternen der amerikanischen Flagge verzierten Bus „Wohlstand, Aufschwung und Überfluss“ einzusteigen, und macht dem Kontrolleur klar, dass die Länder, die im Zweiten Weltkrieg von Deutschland überfallen worden waren, bei den Hilfen des Marshall-Plans Vorrang haben müssen. Auf der anderen Seite des Busses steht „Gretchen“, ein Militärstiefel tragendes Mädchen mit Zöpfen und bayerischem Federhut – Symbol für Deutschland –, das keine Sonderbehandlung erhalten darf, sondern warten muss, bis es an der Reihe ist, um die amerikanische Hilfe in Anspruch zu nehmen.
Cartoon by Woop on implementation of the Marshall Plan (4 October 1947)
Bild‘The American wall.’ On 4 October 1947, the cartoonist Woop portrays the efforts of the US President, Harry Truman, and his Secretary of State, George C. Marshall, to implement the Marshall Plan for the economic and financial reconstruction of European countries ravaged by the Second World War.
‘From the Monnet to the Marshall Plan' from L'Humanité (12 October 1947)
TextOn 12 October 1947, in an article published in the French Communist daily newspaper L'Humanité, Benoit Frachon, General Secretary of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), condemns the American stranglehold on the French economy resulting from the implementation of the Marshall Plan.
"Die amerikanische Hilfe" in Le Populaire (6. November 1947)
TextAm 6. November 1947 verteidigt sich der ehemalige französische Regierungschef Léon Blum in der französischen sozialistischen Tageszeitung Le Populaire gegen die Anfeindungen des Generalsekretärs der französischen Kommunistischen Partei Maurice Thorez, der ihm vorwirft, dem amerikanischen Imperialismus gedient zu haben, als er die Wirtschaftshilfe der USA akzeptierte.
‘Our salvation is in our own hands' from Action (10 December 1947)
TextOn 10 December 1947, the French newspaper L’Action vehemently refutes the argument that the French economy needs the Marshall Plan to ensure its recovery.
Letter from Jean Monnet to Georges Bidault (18 April 1948)
TextOn 18 April 1948, Jean Monnet informs French Foreign Minister Georges Bidault of the American view of the Marshall Plan and of the progress in negotiations in which he is involved in the United States on the issue of supplying France with food products originating in the USA.
Letter from Jean Monnet to Robert Schuman (18 April 1948)
TextIn April 1948, Jean Monnet is involved in negotiations in Washington concerning the distribution of material and financial aid to Europe under the Marshall Plan. In this letter written on 18 April 1948 and addressed to Robert Schuman, President of the French Council, he describes the mood of his US colleagues and ends by emphasising the need for a European federation.
‘The consequences for France of the Marshall Plan' from the Tageblatt (5 May 1948)
TextOn 5 May 1948, in connection with the implementation of the Marshall Plan, the Luxembourg daily newspaper Tageblatt questions the capacity for recovery of the French economy.
Agreement for financial aid granted by the US to France (Paris, 28 June 1948)
BildOn 28 June 1948, in Paris, Georges Bidault (centre), French Foreign Minister, accompanied by René Mayer (right), French Finance Minister, and Jefferson Caffery (left), US Ambassador to France, sign an agreement for temporary financial aid amounting to 522 million dollars, granted under the Marshall Plan by the United States to France for the winter of 1948–1949.
Signing of an agreement for financial aid granted by the US to France (Paris, 28 June 1948)
BildOn 28 June 1948, Georges Bidault (centre), French Foreign Minister, and Jefferson Caffery (left), US Ambassador to France, sign an agreement for financial aid granted under the Marshall Plan by the United States to France.
Reactions in France
Karikatur von Illingworth über die Auswirkungen der politischen Turbulenzen in Frankreich auf den Einigungsprozess in Westeuropa (6. September 1948)
Bild„Außenseiter.“ Der Rücktritt des französischen Regierungschefs André Marie am 24. August 1948 führt zum Sturz seiner gesamten Regierung. Eine Woche später, am 6. September 1948, illustriert der britische Karikaturist Illingworth die Konsequenzen der französischen Regierungskrise für die Bemühungen der Briten und Amerikaner, das Nachkriegs-Europa wieder aufzubauen.
Demonstration gegen den Marshall-Plan (Paris, 15. September 1948)
BildAm 15. September 1948 demonstrieren französische Streiker in den Straßen von Paris gegen den Marshall-Plan, den sie beschuldigten, ein antikommunistisches Instrument zu sein
‘The Marshall Plan financial aid’ from L’Aurore (15 December 1948)
TextOn 15 December 1948, in an article published in the newspaper L’Aurore, Gilles Gozard, French MP for the Allier département, emphasises the importance of the US aid granted to France under the Marshall Plan.
Delivery of tractors under the Marshall Plan (Le Havre, 1949)
BildIn 1949, the US aid granted under the Marshall Plan reaches its destination. The photo shows a cargo of tractors delivered to the port of Le Havre, France.
"Rückkehr zum Monnetplan und Aufgabe des Marshallplans" in Combat (16. Juni 1949)
TextAm 16. Juni 1949 kommentiert die französische Tageszeitung Combat das Programm der Gewerkschaft Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) für den sozialen und wirtschaftlichen Wiederaufbau.
‘Industrial output down, bankruptcies up' from L'Humanité (6 December 1949)
TextOn 6 December 1949, the French Communist daily newspaper L’Humanité criticises the Marshall Plan on the basis, in particular, of statistics which illustrate the economic situation in France.
Reactions in Italy
Carlo Sforza, Five years at the Palazzo Chigi
TextIn his memoirs, Italian Foreign Minister Carlo Sforza recalls Italy's position towards the Marshall Plan and the offer of economic and financial assistance for all European countries.
‘Why the USA is giving billions to Europe’ from Il nuovo Corriere della Sera (14 January 1948)
TextOn 14 January 1948, the Italian daily newspaper Il nuovo Corriere della Sera considers the reasons for the US aid granted to European countries under the Marshall Plan and refutes the arguments of those who accuse the United States of territorial and economic imperialism.
‘And the Marshall Plan?’ from Avanti (19 May 1948)
TextOn 19 May 1948, one month after the entry into force of the Marshall Plan, the Italian Socialist daily newspaper Avanti criticises the lack of planning on the part of national authorities with regard to the distribution of the US aid.
Cartoon on Italy and the Marshall Plan (20 May 1948)
Bild‘The Marshall Plan — “So you have received a parcel of children’s clothing from UNRRA as well?”’ On 20 May 1948, the cartoonist of the Italian Socialist daily newspaper Avanti comments ironically on the nature of the US aid granted to Italy under the Marshall Plan and UNRRA, the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Agency.
'Flying tour of Europe' from Il nuovo Corriere della Sera (19 August 1949)
TextOn 19 August 1949, the Italian newspaper Il nuovo Corriere della Sera comments on the visit made by Paul Hoffman, Administrator of the Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA), to Europe. It considers the practical applications of the Marshall Plan loans, with particular reference to the specific case of Italy.
Marshall Plan: housing project in Italy (1948–1955)
BildIn Matera, southern Italy, funds allocated under the Marshall Plan make possible the construction of new housing.
The Marshall Plan in Italy (1948-1955)
BildItalian industry benefits from new equipment provided by the United States under the Marshall Plan. Fiat car factories do particularly well.
Reactions in the Soviet Union
Statement by Molotov (Paris, 2 July 1947)
TextOn 2 July 1947, during the final meeting of the Three-Power Conference in Paris, Viatcheslav Molotov, the Soviet Union Foreign Minister, criticises the Marshall Plan and US imperialism.
‘The Paris Conference' from Pravda (13 July 1947)
TextOn 13 July 1947, the Soviet daily newspaper Pravda publishes a critical report on the work of the Conference on European Economic Cooperation which, at France’s invitation, opened the previous day in Paris in order to review the ways in which the loans granted to Europe under the Marshall Plan have been utilised.
"Marshall-Zwilling" in Der Spiegel (20. Dezember 1947)
TextDas Nachrichtenmagazin Der Spiegel analysiert die Reaktion der Sowjetunion auf den Marshallplan. Dabei kommt dem Handel mit den osteuropäischen Ländern eine besondere Bedeutung zu.
Rede von Paul-Henri Spaak: die Ablehnung des Marshall-Plans durch die Sowjetunion (Luxemburg, 13. März 1948)
TonAm 13. März 1948 hält der belgische Premierminister und Außenminister Paul-Henri Spaak in Luxemburg einen Vortrag, in dem er Gründe für die Ablehnung des Marshall-Plans durch die Sowjetunion und ihre europäischen Satellitenstaaten darlegt.
Karikatur von Illingworth zur Haltung der UdSSR zum Marshall-Plan (23. März 1948)
BildAm 23. März 1948 illustriert der britische Karikaturist Leslie Gilbert Illingworth, wie ungern Moskau es sehen würde, wenn die mittel- und osteuropäischen Länder die amerikanische Hilfe im Rahmen des Marshall-Plans erhalten würden. Rechts: Josef Stalin.
'The Marshall Plan and West Germany' from Pravda (17 December 1948)
TextOn 17 December 1948, the Soviet newspaper Pravda criticises the US aid granted to West Germany under the Marshall Plan and deplores the decision taken by the British and American military authorities of the Bizone for an eventual transfer to the Germans of the decision-making authority regarding the ownership of the steel and mining industries in the Ruhr (Law No 75).
‘Two worlds, two paths' from Pravda (1 January 1949)
TextOn 1 January 1949, the Soviet daily newspaper Pravda describes a Europe divided into a capitalist and a socialist sphere and compares the two systems.
Sowjetische Karikatur zur amerikanischen Europapolitik (3. November 1949)
Bild„Der amerikanische Knüppel bei der Lösung der Probleme des Marktes.“ Am 3. November 1949 prangert die sowjetische Zeitung Iswestija die imperialistische Politik des Amerikaners Paul Hoffman, des Leiters der Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA) an, die im Rahmen des Marshall-Plans zur Verteilung der Wirtschaftshilfen für Europa gegründet worden war.
Cartoon by Ganf on the Marshall Plan (20 July 1950)
Bild‘Peace is excluded from paradise.' On 20 July 1950, the Soviet satirical magazine Krokodil denounces the Marshall Plan, portraying it as a dangerous refuge serving the economic, military and religious interests of the West.
The OEEC
The OEEC Charter (Paris, 16 April 1948)
BildOn 16 April 1948, in Paris, representatives of the 16 European States that have accepted the US aid provided under the Marshall Plan sign the Convention establishing the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) which will enter into force on 1 July 1948.
Signing of the OEEC Charter (Paris, 16 April 1948)
BildOn 16 April 1948, in Paris, the representatives of the 16 European States that have accepted aid under the Marshall plan sign the Convention establishing the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC), which is to enter into force on 1 July 1948. Georges Bidault, French Foreign Minister, initials the Convention on behalf of France.
Belgium signs the OEEC Charter (Paris, 16 April 1948)
BildOn 16 April 1948, at the Château de la Muette in Paris, Paul-Henri Spaak, Belgian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, signs the Convention establishing the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC).
The OEEC
Convention for European Economic Cooperation (Paris, 16 April 1948)
TextOn 16 April 1948, in Paris, the representatives of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom and the Commanders-in-Chief of the French, British and US occupation zones in Germany sign the Convention establishing the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC), which enters into force on 1 July 1948.
Italian memorandum to France (24 August 1948)
TextOn 24 August 1948, the Italian Government sends to the French Government a memorandum in which it emphasises the important role to be played by the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC), which is seen as an essential force for European unification.
Agreement for Intra-European Payments and Compensations (Paris, 16 October 1948)
TextSigned on 16 October 1948 in Paris by the representatives of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Swtizerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom, by the Commanders-in-Chief of the French, British and US occupation zones in Germany and by the Commander of the British-US zone of the Free Territory of Trieste, the first Agreement for Intra-European Payments and Compensations aims to establish a regional payments system in order to encourage intra-European trade.
OEEC progress report on the European recovery programme (Paris, 30 December 1948)
TextOn 30 December 1948, the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) publishes its progress report on the issues arising from the economic reconstruction of post-war Europe.
OEEC Interim Report on the European Recovery Programme in Austria (Paris, 30 December 1948)
TextOn 30 December 1948, the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) publishes its Interim Report on the European Recovery Programme that focuses on the economic situation in Austria.
OEEC progress report on the economic recovery programme in the Benelux countries (30 December 1948)
TextOn 30 December 1948, the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) publishes its progress report on the economic recovery programme in the Benelux countries.
OEEC report on the economic recovery programme in Italy (30 December 1948)
TextOn 30 December 1948, the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) publishes its progress report on the economic recovery programme in Italy.
OEEC report on the economic recovery programme in the United Kingdom (30 December 1948)
TextOn 30 December 1948, the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) publishes its progress report on the economic recovery programme in the United Kingdom.
Robert Marjolin, Secretary-General of the OEEC (Paris, April 1949)
BildRobert Marjolin, Secretary-General of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC), records a message in the Paris studios of ‘Voice of America’, to be broadcast from the New York studio on the first anniversary of the Marshall Plan in April 1949.
'The future of the OEEC' from Il nuovo Corriere della Sera (29 October 1949)
TextOn 29 October 1949, the Italian newspaper Il nuovo Corriere della Sera considers the future of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) and stresses the importance of coordinating national economic policies across Europe.
‘Europe has promised too much and achieved too little’ from Het Parool (20 December 1949)
TextOn 20 December 1949, the Dutch daily newspaper Het Parool considers the action of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) and speculates on the question of European economic integration.
‘Mr Stikker’ from Het Vrije Volk (1 February 1950)
TextOn 1 February 1950, the Dutch daily newspaper Het Vrije Volk welcomes the appointment of Dirk U. Stikker, Dutch Foreign Minister, to the post of ‘political mediator’ of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC).
Cartoon by Roc on the role played by Dirk Stikker in the OEEC (11 February 1950)
Bild‘The Stikker Plan.’ On 11 February 1950, Roc, the Dutch cartoonist, depicts the US-backed appointment of Dirk U. Stikker, Netherlands Foreign Minister, as ‘Political Ombudsman’ of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC).
‘The Stikker Plan’ from Het Vrije Volk (13 June 1950)
TextOn 13 June 1950, the Dutch daily newspaper Het Vrije Volk comments on the proposal by Dirk Stikker, Dutch Foreign Minister, to pursue European integration by sector.
Report on the activities of the OEEC in 1950–1951 (Venice, 23 to 30 September 1951)
TextIn September 1951, the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) publishes a report which focuses on how the organisation was founded and its working methods, along with its general policies.
OEEC meeting (Washington, 10 April 1953)
BildOn 10 April 1953, a meeting in Washington of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) provides an opportunity for a study of the economic situation in Europe. From left to right: Harold Stassen (Director of Mutual Security), Sir Hugh Ellis-Rees (President of the OEEC Council), Hans Karl von Mangoldt (Chairman of the Managing Board of the European Payments Union), Attilio Cattani (Chairman of the OEEC Executive Committee), Baron Jean Charles Snoy et d’Oppuers (Chairman of the Exchange Steering Committee) and Robert Marjolin (OEEC Secretary-General).
Speech by Karl Harten on increasing productivity in Europe (1954)
TextIn 1954, Karl Harten, Director of the European Productivity Agency (EPA), outlines the EPA's activities and describes measures that aim at increasing productivity in Europe.
Report by Yvan Lavergne on coal supplies in Europe (1954)
TextIn 1954, Yvan Lavergne, Administrator at the Energy Division of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC), considers the OEEC's policies concerning coal supplies in Europe.
Dirk Stikker, OEEC, a Great Factor in European Co-operation
TextIn 1954, Dirk Stikker, Chairman of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) from 1950 to 1952, analyses the work of the organisation during its early years.